[newscane]

I bought a set of UE SuperFi Studio 3s about 4 years ago.  I've been very happy with them, but over the last 6 months, the cable connection for the left earphone has become very loose.  I tried the right cable in the left earphone, and it's still loose... so it's not a cable problem, it's an earphone problem.  I called Logitech/UE customer support, and they offered me the 50% off coupon for the next 30 days.  He suggested the SuperFi 5 or the UE 700.  Both list at $149, and with the fact that the 700 is a dual-armature, I'm inclined to go for those.  I don't like the fact that the "metal paint" peels off of the 700s with sweat, though.  
 
I have been using my SF3s  for general listening w/ my iPod, and for monitoring recordings at concerts (recording taper-friendly bands from my seat, earphones are plugged in to a Nomad JB3).  In the last six weeks or so, I've started running, and have been using them for that as well.  That's been where the loose cable issue is the biggest problem - it's tough to reinsert the cable while you're on a treadmill.
 
What's the best pick between these two?  Or, should I look elsewhere within the Logitech line, or go with something else entirely?  I like the price point of $75 (50% off either of those UE pairs).
 
Thanks!

 

[IpodHappy]

I've not heard the Super.Fi 5s, just the Super.Fi 5 Pros.  The Super.Fi 5 Pros have a powerful bass, a strong high, and a bit of a recessed mid range.  They're great for electronica.  The UE700s sacrifice some of the lower end of the Super.Fi 5 Pros, but get a huge boost in the ergonomics category.  Some find the UE700s to be a bit harsh on the treble side, but this hasn't bothered me much.  I really like their discrete appearance and remarkably low microphonics.  They're so comfortable, you truly won't notice them after a bit.

 

[newscane]

Thanks... I'm pretty sure I'm going to go with the 700s.  From what I can tell, these SuperFi 5s definitely are NOT the Pros... they're the "new" SuperFi 5.  There may be some better IEMs out there in the $150 range, but at half-off, I think it would be hard for me to beat this deal...

 

[ljokerl]

The UE700 is the better earphone without a doubt but signature-wise the SF5 is closer to the SF3, being slightly rolled-off in the bass and treble and a bit on the dull and warm side of things. Would not pay $75 for the 5 though.
 
The SF5Pro should not be available at this point as it's been discontinued for some time.

 

[Murmaider]

are they requiring you to send in your old SF3's?

 

 

[newscane]

Quote:

The UE700 is the better earphone without a doubt but signature-wise the SF5 is closer to the SF3, being slightly rolled-off in the bass and treble and a bit on the dull and warm side of things. Would not pay $75 for the 5 though.
 
The SF5Pro should not be available at this point as it's been discontinued for some time.

 
The only "seller" of the SF5Pro I see is a third-party seller on Amazon, offering it for $200.
 
Why do you say you wouldn't pay $75 for the SF5?
 
Quote:

are they requiring you to send in your old SF3's?

 

No.  They already gave me the coupon code, it's good for 30 days.

 

[ljokerl]

Quote:

 
Why do you say you wouldn't pay $75 for the SF5?

For the same reason I wouldn't quite pay the full $150 for the UE700 - better options out there for the money. For the SF5 it's the Brainwavz M2 (similarly mid-forward sound but way more musical and with better presence down low), Soundmagic PL50 (cheaper and arguably more accurate), and Meelec A151 (better bass and way better build quality). For the UE700 it's the Fischer Audio DBA-02/Brainwavz B2. The UE700 is IMO the worst tuning for the Knowles TWFK driver and should be priced accordingly, i.e. cheaper than all of the other earphones with the same driver (Phiaton PS200, q-JAYS, ATH-CK10, DBA-02, Brainwavz B2, etc).

 

[mark2410]

Quote:

For the same reason I wouldn't quite pay the full $150 for the UE700 - better options out there for the money. For the SF5 it's the Brainwavz M2 (similarly mid-forward sound but way more musical and with better presence down low), Soundmagic PL50 (cheaper and arguably more accurate), and Meelec A151 (better bass and way better build quality). For the UE700 it's the Fischer Audio DBA-02/Brainwavz B2. The UE700 is IMO the worst tuning for the Knowles TWFK driver and should be priced accordingly, i.e. cheaper than all of the other earphones with the same driver (Phiaton PS200, q-JAYS, ATH-CK10, DBA-02, Brainwavz B2, etc).

totally aggree, well maybe id suggest the M1 over the M2 in place of the SF5 but hey ho.
 
just for the SF5 or UE700 though id say the SF5, its more long term livable

 

[newscane]

Quote:

For the same reason I wouldn't quite pay the full $150 for the UE700 - better options out there for the money. For the SF5 it's the Brainwavz M2 (similarly mid-forward sound but way more musical and with better presence down low), Soundmagic PL50 (cheaper and arguably more accurate), and Meelec A151 (better bass and way better build quality). For the UE700 it's the Fischer Audio DBA-02/Brainwavz B2. The UE700 is IMO the worst tuning for the Knowles TWFK driver and should be priced accordingly, i.e. cheaper than all of the other earphones with the same driver (Phiaton PS200, q-JAYS, ATH-CK10, DBA-02, Brainwavz B2, etc).

thank you for your advice, it's made my decision more complicated  In the $75 range, I'm taking a close look at the Brainwavz M2 & the Meelec A151.  I don't know if I can afford to go up to the $150 range right now.  Putting it this way, am I wrong going with the UE700 for $75 vs the Brainwavz or the Meelec?
 

 
Quote:

totally aggree, well maybe id suggest the M1 over the M2 in place of the SF5 but hey ho.
 
just for the SF5 or UE700 though id say the SF5, its more long term livable

Would that hold true for the new SF5 as well?
 

 

[Vloeibaarglas]

Your opinion on Meelectronics a151 ($ 71) vs UE700 (@ $75) purely from a SQ perspective?

 

[ljokerl]

The UE700 is still the better earphone at $75 but those who are sensitive to treble will absolutely hate it. It is brighter than all of the other TWFK-based earphones except maybe the Phiaton PS200. The SF5, A151, PL50, Brainwavz M1/M2 are all more universally likable which I think is the point mark was trying to make. 

 

[IpodHappy]

Newscane, if you're going to break out of the UE stable, the Shure SE215 might be a very good choice for you.  I find its sound signature to be much more relaxed than the UE700.  Here's a comparison I've posted in the SE215 thread by Flavio: http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/542003/new-shure-se215-first-impressions/480#post_7404541
 
The winner was the SE215s.  The SE215s are easier to listen to.

 

[ljokerl]

Never mind.

 

[Murmaider]

@newscane you'll notice there is a lot of hate for UE. i think a lot of it has to do with how Logitech has been trying to make them mainstream. Nonetheless i still love their signature. the SF5 vi's are some of my favorite and i would totally spring on that UE700 deal.

 

[dziendobry]

If I can throw my .02 in.  The Mee A151 is superior to the UE700,  Somone posted in the deals thread that they are on Amazon for 49.99 right now.  Out of stock at the moment but they will honor that price when they get back in stock if you order them.